The “floating” city of Venice is a truly unique destination which deserves a place on everyone’s bucket list – especially if you happen to be interested in history, art and architecture. The city dates back to the 5th century and is literally bristling with fine historic churches and other ancient buildings, many of which contain priceless works of art by a wide variety of Italian artists. Besides the magnificent art and architecture, Venice is just a joy to explore by boat or on foot, offering up surprises around every corner. You will get lost – even the locals get lost here – so set off with a good map, an open mind and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
Libreria Acqua Alta (The High Water Bookshop)
Tucked away on a small canal not far from popular tourist attractions like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square, the Libreria Acqua Alta is probably the most unique and magical bookstore on the planet.
Libreria Acqua Alta, Calle Longa S M Formosa 5176, Venice 30122, Phone: +39-04-12-96-08-41
Chiesa della Madonna dell ‘Orto
Located in the Cannaregio District, the Chiesa della Madonna dell ‘Orto is a fine example of Italian Gothic architecture.
Chiesa Della Madonna dell ‘Orto, Santa Croce 548, Venice 30135, Phone: +39-0-41-71-99-33
Il Caffe Rosso (The Red Bar)
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Il Caffe Rosso (The Red Bar) is an unmistakable historic Venetian bar which dates back to the late 19th century, when it was established by a retiring sailor.
Il Caffe Rosso, Sestiere Dorsoduro 2963, Venice 30123, Phone: +39-04-15-28-79-98
The Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore
Offering visitors a completely different perspective of the lovely city of Venice, the lagoon and the other islands, The Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore Island is a must-visit attraction.
The Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore, Isola di S. Giorgio Maggiore, Venice 30133, Phone: +39-04-15-22-78-27
Rialto Market (Mercato di Rialti)
The Rialto Market is another of Venice’s must-see tourist attractions. The market is located alongside the Grand Canal, to the north-west of the Rialto Bridge.
Rialto Market, Campiello de la Pescaria, Venice 30122
Chiesa di San Pantalon
Dedicated to the Patron Saint of Midwives, the Church of Saint Pantalon (or more formally, Saint Pantaleone), is located a short walk from Venice’s Santa Lucia Station. Saint Pantaleone was a student of medicine, who was famously martyred in the 4th century for his Christian beliefs. The main reason to visit the church is to admire the magnificent art. To begin with, the entire ceiling is covered by a martyrdom scene comprising over 40 canvases, executed by Giovanni Fumiani in the late 1600’s. In addition, the interior of the church is adorned with many priceless artworks by Italian masters like Veneziano, Vivarini and Padovanino.
Chiesa di San Pantalon, Sestiere Dorsoduro 3703, Venice 30123, Phone: +39-04-12-72-86-11
Al Timon
Al Timon restaurant invites visitors to step away from the crowded tourist center and come and join generations of Venice locals who know where to find authentic Venetian cuisine.
Al Timon, Timon all’Antica Mola, Cannaregio, Fondamenta dei Ormesini 2754, Venice 30121, Phone: +39-0-41-71-74-92
The Accademia (The Academy)
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Venice’s famous Academy of Fine Art Museum is housed in an historic architectural complex which includes the Church of Santa Maria della Carita, her monastery and the original Scuola Grande (Grand School), all of which are deserving of a visit just to admire the architecture.
The Accademia (The Academy), Campo della Carita 1050, Venice 30123, Phone: +39-04-15-22-22-47
The Peggy Guggenheim Institute
The Peggy Guggenheim Institute is home to one of the most important European collections of 20th century European and American Art, and is essential viewing for all art enthusiasts.
The Peggy Guggenheim Institute, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, Dorsoduro 701, Venice 30123, Phone: +39-04-12-40-54-11
Lido Beach
Unlikely as it seems at first glance, Venice does have a beach. Lido Beach is located on an 11-km long barrier island in the Venice Lagoon.
Piazza San Marco
The Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) lies before the stunning Basilica di San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) and the Campanile in what is undoubtedly the most visited tourist attraction in Venice.
Basilica di San Marco
The Basilica of St. Mark (Basilica di San Marco) is the most famous and opulent church in Venice.
The Campanile
Towering nearly 100 meter above St. Marks Square, The Campanile is the bell tower of the Basilica di San Marco.
The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
In early times the Doge (Duke) was the supreme authority in Venice and deserved to live in a sumptuous palace which proclaimed the wealth and power of the city to all. The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) was originally built in the 11th century but saw many extensions and improvements over the centuries while it was home to a succession of 120 Doges.
Gondola Rides
It would be a great shame to leave Venice without experiencing a romantic gondola ride, particularly if you are visiting with someone special. However, gondola rides are notoriously expensive so be sure to budget for this memorable vacation add-on.
Muranero
If you are looking for something absolutely unique to take home with you to remind you of Venice, Muranero is the place to go. The owner of the business, Moulaye Niang, hails from Africa but learnt his glass-blowing craft from the masters at the Murano School of Glass in Venice.
Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni (The Dalmatian School of St. George)
When we look back in history to the 9th and 10th centuries, we find the emergence of several “Venetian Schools”, which performed much like a modern guild, offering political, economical and religious guidance to their members.
Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni (The Dalmatian School of St. George), Calle dei Furlani 3259A, Venice 30122, Phone: +39-04-15-22-88-28
Chiesa di San Zaccaria
The Church of St. Zachary, the father of John the Baptist, is another of Venice’s outstanding historic churches which deserves a place on your to-do list.
Chiesa di San Zaccaria, Campo S. Zaccaria 4693, Venice 30122, Phone: +39-04-15-22-12-57
Serra dei Giardini
Serra dei Giardini is a café/restaurant located in a fully-restored historic glass and iron green house, built back in the late 1800’s.
Serra dei Giardini, Viale Giuseppe Garibaldi 1254, Venice 30122, Phone: +39-04-17-47-37-16
La Zucca (The Pumpkin)
Vegetarians often complain that it is quite difficult to find a good restaurant in Venice. Although La Zucca (The Pumpkin) does not claim to be a vegetarian-only restaurant, they do offer a better than average variety of excellent vegetarian choices, prepared using natural local ingredients.
La Zucca, S. Croce 1762, Venice 30135, Phone: +39-04-15-24-15-70
Antiche Carampane
Family owned and operated since the 1980’s, Trattoria Antiche Carampane has become something of a legend to local Venetians and travelers in the know.
Antiche Carampane, Rio Tera de le Carampane San Polo 1911, Rialto, Venice 30125, Phone: +39-04-15-24-01-65
